vice president biden also here at the white house. he can of course be an incredibly important player in this entire process. president obama's strategy has to some extent been to wage a public campaign putting the pressure on congress to get something done during that exclusive interview earlier today you heard the president accuse republicans of being solely focused on protecting the taxes of wealthier americans. of course, president obama wants to see the bush era tax cuts extended for those making $250,000 or less while letting it raise on those making more than that. that $250,000 figure is up for debate and is up for compromise. i can tell you that republican leaders on the hill fired back saying he was more interested on assigning blame than getting something done and leading while they are trying to hammer out a deal. that is where things stand right now at the white house. clearly watching these developments quite closely. >> kristen welker, thank you. we will be checking back throughout the afternoon, as well. nchlts for mor